EL 34 vs. KT 88 ---- What's the difference?

Yes - I agree with the statement KT88's are less polite. I listen to a lot of rock. The point I was making is about the Manley being based on EL34 - however, it is a good rocking out amp. I was just saying that it is a more polite tube by construction, though it can certainly find it's way through any kind of job depending on how the amp is engineered overall. My understanding is the KT88 just has a bigger plate and uses power more efficiently so it has a flatter response. But look at triode sounding great - efficiency isn't everything. Plus, what kind of tube, what kind of capacitor, plus point to point wiring versus boards, plus linearity of layout... there are a host of factors other than just tubes. Everyone is so gung ho about the KT88 here - I am too, I use them, but I thought it might be good to illustrate the other side by finding an amp that wasn't quite so warm and fuzzy with the EL34, while still being hyper ... "musical" for lack of a better term.

Mjpflieger, the Jolida 302A/B is set up for the EL34 only. It cannot use the larger 6550/KT88/KT90 tubes in stock form. Conversely, the Jolida 502 cannot run the EL34/6CA7 as things are.

However, modification can be done to either so that they can run the other set of tube, or run all of the spectrum.

And, for what it's worth, to my ears, the Jolida 302A/B is sonically far and away the winner over the 502.

I have owned and/or heard a number of EL34 and Kt88 amps. I generally agree with the comments that the KT88 is more balanced and extended and the EL34 is "fuller" in the mids. However, as they say, execution is everything. The Vac Avatar that I recently sold used EL34s. In UL, it was close to the sound of the VAC KT88 amps. In triode, with the right speakers (moderate impedence & eff. of 88-92 db.) the midrange could be sublime; not overly rich or warm, simply right, exceeded only by a few of the very best tube amps. Still good extension on both ends, maybe very slight roll-off on treble with deep bass but of course not as much slam as SS. A couple months ago I had the opp. to hear VAC's new top of the line $19,000 integrated, which I believe uses KT88s instead of the 300Bs that most of VAC's more expensive amps have used in the past. Its sound was similar in character to the Avatar in triode, except better in every regard. Perhaps the best amp I have heard. Intimate yet dynamic and detailed.

TLH

Another plus for EL34, I think, is the Mullard reproductions that can go with them - not overpriced and sound great.

After reading this post I am curious to try some rolling myself, just to hear the differences in my set up. Does anyone know if the Sonic Frontiers Power 2 supports using the EL-34 without modifications?